Core Breaker With Dust Suppression System

ABSTRACT

A core breaker for use with a continuous mining machine used to cut earth strata wherein the continuous mining machine has at least two spaced apart cutting drums whereby each one of the cutting drums cuts the earth strata leaving a core. The core breaker includes an elongate support positioned mediate of the two cutting drums. In one aspect, the elongate support includes a channel formed therein. The core breaker further includes a plurality of tool components attached to the elongate support. The core breaker also includes a plurality of spray nozzles positioned adjacent to the tool components. In one aspect, the plurality of spray nozzles each have a first end in fluid communication with the channel formed in the elongate support and a second end positioned adjacent an outer surface of the elongate support. The tool components may be, for example, a breaker wedge or a cutting tool such as a conical bit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/099,322 filed Sep. 23, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to a core breaker for use with an earth strata cutting assembly such as, for example, a continuous mining machine. More specifically, the invention pertains to a core breaker for use with such an earth strata cutting assembly wherein the core breaker incorporates a dust suppression system.

BACKGROUND

As mentioned above, one example of an earth strata cutting assembly is a continuous mining machine. A continuous mining machine typically includes a plurality of rotatable cutting drums that are advanced so as to engage the earth strata (e.g., coal in a sediment layer) and cut or rip the same into fragments. U.S. Pat. No. 3,712,679 to Amoroso shows a continuous mining machine. The earth strata (e.g., coal) that is cut or ripped from the coal layer falls onto the floor of the mine, and is then handled in a suitable fashion so that it is removed from the vicinity of the continuous mining machine In a typical continuous mining machine, the cutting drums are spaced apart so that they do not cut across the entire face of the vein. Thus, after completion of the cutting by the cutting drums, there remains a volume of earth strata (e.g. coal) that needs to be removed in order for the continuous mining machine to continue to advance in the cutting operation. In order to remove the remaining earth strata, a core breaker is positioned between each one of the adjacent cutting drums whereby the core breaker includes a plurality of tool components, e.g. cutting tools or breaker wedges that impinge upon the remaining volume of coal so as to break it into fragments.

In operation of the core breaker to break the coal from the coal face, a substantial amount of coal dust is generated, as well as gases are released into the surrounding air. When the coal dust becomes airborne and the gases are released into the surrounding air, it becomes a risk for humans and equipment in the immediate area. For example, the coal dust and gases can be inhaled by humans (health risk) or the coal dust and gases can be ignited by mining activities causing an explosion (safety risk).

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present invention is to provide a core breaker for use with a continuous mining machine used to cut earth strata wherein the continuous mining machine has at least two spaced apart cutting drums whereby each one of the cutting drums cuts the earth strata leaving a core. The core breaker includes an elongate support positioned mediate of the two cutting drums. In one aspect, the elongate support includes a channel formed therein. The core breaker further includes a plurality of tool components attached to the elongate support. The core breaker also includes a plurality of spray nozzles positioned adjacent to the tool components. In one aspect, the plurality of spray nozzles each have a first end in fluid communication with the channel formed in the elongate support and a second end positioned adjacent an outer surface of the elongate support. The tool components may be, for example, a breaker wedge or a cutting tool such as a conical bit.

An aspect of the present invention is to provide a core breaker for use with a continuous mining machine used to cut earth strata wherein the continuous mining machine has at least two spaced apart cutting drums whereby each one of the cutting drums cuts the earth strata leaving a core. The core breaker includes an elongate support positioned mediate of the two cutting drums, wherein the elongate support includes a channel formed therein. The core breaker further includes a plurality of breaker wedges attached to the elongate support. Each of the breaker wedges include an outlet opening fowled therein. The core breaker further includes a plurality of spray nozzles each having a first end in fluid communication with the channel formed in the elongate support and a second end positioned adjacent the respective outlet openings formed in each of the breaker wedges.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a core breaker for use with a continuous mining machine used to cut earth strata wherein the continuous mining machine has at least two spaced apart cutting drums whereby each one of the cutting drums cuts the earth strata leaving a core. The core breaker includes an elongate support positioned mediate of the two cutting drums and a plurality of tool components attached to the elongate support. The core breaker further includes means for suppressing dust and/or dispersing airborne gases during operation of the core breaker. Advantageously, suppressing dust and dispersing gases generated during a cutting action assists in moving ventilation air around the machine and work environment.

These and various other features and advantages will be apparent from the following drawings and detailed description.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a mechanical schematic view of a continuous mining machine (i.e., an earth strata cutting assembly) that includes two cutting drums and a core breaker that is positioned mediate of the two cutting drums, in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the core breaker of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of the core breaker illustrated in FIG. 2, in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial view of another core breaker similar to the core breaker illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a portion of a continuous mining machine (i.e., an earth strata cutting assembly) generally designated as 10, in accordance with an aspect of the invention. Continuous mining machine 10 includes a first rotatable cutting drum 14 that presents a plurality of cutting tools (or bits) 16 arranged in, for example, a helical pattern. Continuous mining machine 10 further includes a second rotatable cutting drum 18 that also presents a plurality of cutting tools (or bits) 16 arranged, for example, in a helical pattern. The first cutting drum 14 is spaced apart from, and yet can be considered to be adjacent to, the second cutting drum 18. The cutting drums 14, 18 are operatively connected to a motor 20 that drives the rotatable cutting drums 14, 18. A core breaker 22 is positioned so as to be between the first and second cutting drums 14, 18.

Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary core breaker 22 is illustrated, in accordance with an aspect of the invention. The core breaker 22 includes a core breaker support 30. The core breaker support 30 has an elongate shape. The core breaker support 30 has opposite ends 32 and 34. The core breaker support 30 has a radial outward or outer surface 36 and a radial inward or inner surface 38. The core breaker 22 includes a plurality of tool components such as, for example a plurality of breaker wedges 40 which are attached to, connected to or formed on the core breaker support 30. In another aspect of the invention, the tool components may be, for example, a cutting tool such as a conical bit. It will, therefore, be appreciated that in accordance with the invention various types of tool components, cutting tools, etc. may be used with the core breaker 22.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the core breaker 22 includes a channel 42 formed in the core breaker support 30. The channel 42 may extend substantially the entire length of the support 30 from end 32 to end 34. However, it will be appreciated that the channel 42 may be formed to extend through only a portion of the length of the support 30, if desired. The channel 42 includes a first end 44 and an opposing second end 46. The channel 42 includes an inlet opening 48 formed adjacent to the first end 44 and a plug or cap 50 formed adjacent the second end 46. In another aspect of the invention, a liquid or gas tight liner or a pipe may be installed in the channel 42, but is not required.

The inlet opening 48 provides for a dust suppression material to be inserted into the channel 42. In one aspect of the invention, the dust suppression material may be, for example, a liquid such as water. However, it will be appreciated that other types of liquids or other types of materials suitable for dust suppression may be used in accordance with the invention. In addition, it will be appreciated that the material used for dust suppression may also provide the additional benefit of dispersing gases generated during a cutting action. Advantageously, suppressing dust and/or dispersing gases generated during a cutting action assists in moving ventilation air around the machine and work environment and, thus, reducing the possibility of a hazardous environment.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the core breaker 22 includes a plurality of spray nozzles 52 formed in the core breaker support 30 and positioned at intervals along the length of the channel 42. Each spray nozzle 52 includes a first end 54 that is in fluid communication with the channel 42. This provides for the dust suppression material, e.g. water that is inserted via inlet opening 48 into the channel 42 to be able to flow into the spray nozzles 52. The spray nozzles 52 include a second end 56 that extend into the corresponding plurality of breaker wedges 40. Each breaker wedge 40 includes a hole or outlet opening 58 formed in each breaker wedge 40 adjacent the second end 56 of each spray nozzle 52. This provides for the dust suppression material, e.g. water to flow from the spray nozzles 52 and through the corresponding outlet opening 58. The dust suppression material, e.g. water that flows through outlet opening 58 is sprayed onto the strata, e.g. coal, in order to reduce or minimize dust during operation of the core breaker 22. As described herein, the material used for dust suppression may also provide the additional benefit of dispersing gases generated during a cutting action and improve air ventilation in a working environment.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the core breaker 22 can also include an additional plurality of spray nozzles 60 formed in the core breaker support 30 and positioned adjacent the tool components, i.e. adjacent the breaker wedges 40. Each spray nozzle 60 includes a first end 62 that is in fluid communication with the channel 42. This provides for the dust suppression material, e.g. water that is inserted via inlet opening 48 into the channel 42 to be able to flow into the spray nozzles 60. The spray nozzles 60 include a second end 64 that is adjacent the outer surface 36 of the elongate support 30 so as to be in proximity of and adjacent to the plurality of breaker wedges 40. Similar to the spray nozzles 52, the spray nozzles 60 provides for additional dust suppression material to be sprayed onto the strata, e.g. coal, in order to further reduce or minimize dust during operation of the core breaker 22. The material used for dust suppression may also provide the additional benefit of dispersing gases generated during a cutting action and improve air ventilation in a working environment. It will be appreciated that while FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the core breaker 22 having both the spray nozzles 52 and the spray nozzles 60 that the core breaker could include just the spray nozzles 52 without the spray nozzles 60 or include just the spray nozzles 60 without the spray nozzles 52, in accordance with aspects of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates another core breaker 122 similar to the core breaker 22 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, in accordance with an aspect of the invention. The core breaker 122 includes a tool component such as a cutting tool that may be, for example, a conical bit 140. It will be appreciated that FIG. 4 is a partial view only for illustration purposes and that additional conical bits 140 can be provided along the length of the support 130. The core breaker 122 includes a plurality of spray nozzles 160 formed in the core breaker support 130 and positioned adjacent the conical bit 140. Each spray nozzle 160 includes a first end 162 that is in fluid communication with the channel 142. This provides for the dust suppression material, e.g. water that is inserted into the channel 142 to be able to flow into the spray nozzles 160. The spray nozzles 160 include a second end 164 that is adjacent the outer surface 136 of the elongate support 130 so as to be in proximity of and adjacent to the conical bit 140. In one aspect, the outer surface defines an opening 166 adjacent to the second end 164 of the spray nozzles 160. The spray nozzles 160 provide for the dust suppression material to be sprayed onto the strata, e.g. coal, in order to further reduce or minimize dust during operation of the core breaker 122. The material used for dust suppression may also provide the additional benefit of dispersing gases generated during a cutting action and improve air ventilation in a working environment.

As described herein, the spray nozzles 52 and 60 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 and the spray nozzles 160 illustrated in FIG. 4 provide for the dust suppression material to be sprayed onto the strata in order to reduce or minimize dust and disperse gases generated during a cutting action. To maximize the dust suppression and/or gas dispersion as well as most efficiently move ventilation air around the machine and work environment and, thus, reduce the possibility of a hazardous environment, the nozzles 52, 60 and 160 may be positioned or oriented to spray the material in various directions. For example, the nozzles 52, 60 and 160 can be positioned or oriented to direct the material in a generally outwardly direction (as indicated by arrows A in FIGS. 3 and 4) or to direct the material in a generally angular direction (as indicated by arrows B in FIGS. 3 and 4).

The implementation described above and other implementations are within the scope of the described invention and the following claims. 

1. A core breaker for use with a continuous mining machine used to cut earth strata and wherein the continuous mining machine has at least two spaced-apart cutting drums whereby each one of the cutting drums cuts the earth strata leaving a core, the core breaker comprising: an elongate support positioned mediate of the two cutting drums; a plurality of tool components attached to the elongate support; and a plurality of first spray nozzles positioned adjacent to the tool components.
 2. The core breaker of claim 1, wherein the elongate support includes a channel formed therein.
 3. The core breaker of claim 2, wherein the plurality of first spray nozzles each include a first end in fluid communication with the channel formed in the elongate support and a second end positioned adjacent an outer surface of the elongate support.
 4. The core breaker of claim 3, wherein the plurality of tool components are breaker wedges.
 5. The core breaker of claim 4, wherein each of the breaker wedges includes an outlet opening formed therein.
 6. The core breaker of claim 5, further comprising a plurality of second spray nozzles each having a first end in fluid communication with the channel formed in the elongate support and a second end positioned adjacent the respective outlet openings formed in each of the breaker wedges.
 7. The core breaker of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tool components are breaker wedges.
 8. The core breaker of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tool components are cutting tools.
 9. A core breaker for use with a continuous mining machine used to cut earth strata and wherein the continuous mining machine has at least two spaced-apart cutting drums whereby each one of the cutting drums cuts the earth strata leaving a core, the core breaker comprising: an elongate support positioned mediate of the two cutting drums, the elongate support including a channel formed therein; a plurality of breaker wedges attached to the elongate support, each of the breaker wedges including an outlet opening formed therein; and a plurality of first spray nozzles each having a first end in fluid communication with the channel formed in the elongate support and a second end positioned adjacent the respective outlet openings formed in each of the breaker wedges.
 10. The core breaker of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of second spray nozzles positioned adjacent to the breaker wedges, wherein the plurality of second spray nozzles each include a first end in fluid communication with the channel formed in the elongate support and a second end positioned adjacent an outer surface of the elongate support.
 11. A core breaker for use with a continuous mining machine used to cut earth strata and wherein the continuous mining machine has at least two spaced-apart cutting drums whereby each one of the cutting drums cuts the earth strata leaving a core, the core breaker comprising: an elongate support positioned mediate of the two cutting drums; a plurality of tool components attached to the elongate support; and means for suppressing dust and/or dispersing airborne gases during operation of the core breaker.
 12. The core breaker of claim 11, wherein the means for suppressing dust and/or dispersing airborne gases comprises: a channel formed in the elongate support; and a plurality of first spray nozzles positioned adjacent to the tool components, wherein the plurality of first spray nozzles each include a first end in fluid communication with the channel formed in the elongate support and a second end positioned adjacent an outer surface of the elongate support.
 13. The core breaker of claim 11, wherein the plurality of tool components are cutting tools.
 14. The core breaker of claim 11, wherein the plurality of tool components are breaker wedges.
 15. The core breaker of claim 14, wherein the means for suppressing dust and/or dispersing airborne gases further comprises: an outlet opening formed in each of the breaker wedges; and a plurality of second spray nozzles each having a first end in fluid communication with the channel formed in the elongate support and a second end positioned adjacent the respective outlet openings formed in the breaker wedges. 